Human Anatomy

Nervous tissue

A specialized tissue responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body, allowing for communication between different body parts.

Nervous tissue is a unique and complex tissue that makes up the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It consists primarily of two types of cells: neurons, which transmit signals, and glial cells, which provide support and protection for neurons. This tissue plays a crucial role in the overall functioning of the nervous system, enabling responses to internal and external stimuli.

Terminologia Anatomica

tela-nervosa

System

Nervous system

Function

The primary function of nervous tissue is to facilitate communication within the body. Neurons, the main cells within nervous tissue, are specialized for the transmission of electrical impulses. These impulses allow for immediate communication between different parts of the body, ensuring rapid responses to environmental changes. Nervous tissue also processes information from sensory organs, enabling perception and response to stimuli. Additionally, glial cells play several supportive roles, including maintaining the homeostasis of neurons, forming myelin sheaths that enhance signal transmission, and acting as the immune defense within the nervous system. Overall, nervous tissue enables not only voluntary movements and reflex actions but also complex functions such as thought, memory, and emotion.

Location

Nervous tissue is predominantly located in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS, which comprises the brain and spinal cord, serves as the main control center for processing information and coordinating activity. Within the brain, nervous tissue is organized into various regions that handle different functions, such as sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive processes. The spinal cord extends from the brainstem down the vertebral canal, carrying signals to and from the brain and peripheral nerves. In the PNS, nervous tissue is found in nerves that branch out from the spinal cord and brain. These nerves transmit signals to and from the extremities and organs, thus integrating the body’s responses.

Did You Know?

There are approximately 86 billion neurons in the human brain.
Glial cells outnumber neurons in the brain, with a ratio of about 10 to 1.
Nervous tissue can regenerate to some extent, but this ability is much more limited in the central nervous system compared to the peripheral nervous system.